Fundraiser for Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane’s family hits $250k - the celebrities who donated thousands
The fundraiser launched to support the family of Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane, who died last week, hits $250,000 - the celebrities who donated thousands revealed.
More than £185,000 has been raised for the family of Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane, who died last week. The 53-year-old, who played Dr Mark ‘McSteamy’ Sloan in the long-running medical drama, died just a year after revealing he had been diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Now, a fundraiser launched to support is family - wife, Rebecca Gayheart and their teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia - has reached $250,000 (£185,466).
Sam Levinson, who created Euphoria which also starred Dane, and wife Ashley are believed to be among donors, with a $27,000 (£20,000) contribution, while Hailey Bieber contributed $20,000 (£14,837). Brad Falchuck, Glee co-creator and husband of Gwyneth Paltrow, donated $10,000 (£7,418).
The fundraiser said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Eric Dane after a hard-fought battle with ALS, leaving behind his devoted wife, Rebecca, and his two teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.
“Following his diagnosis, Eric became a passionate spokesperson for the ALS community, using his voice and platform to advocate for fellow patients and to push for greater awareness. Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease.
“As his illness progressed far more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Eric’s friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters.”
Gayheart shared a photo of the GoFundMe on her Instagram stories at its launch, captioning it: “Thank-you everyone”.
The US actor’s death was confirmed on Friday by his representatives, who said he died surrounded by friends and family.
Among those paying tribute were Ashton Kutcher, Alyssa Milano, John Stamos, Nina Dobrev, Maria Shriver, Grey’s Anatomy boss Shonda Rhimes and Euphoria creator Levinson.
Dane portrayed fan favourite McSteamy in Grey’s Anatomy from 2006 until 2012, with a guest appearance in 2021. He more recently starred in the HBO's Euphoria alongside Jacob Elordi and Zendaya, playing the conflicted antagonist Cal Jacobs.
He is also known for his roles in Charmed, Burlesque, Marley & Me and Valentine’s Day and played Tom Chandler in post-apocalyptic action series The Last Ship from 2014 to 2018.
ALS is the most common form of motor neurone disease, a terminal condition that progressively robs people of muscle control with most people living three to five years after diagnosis.
In 2025, Dane went public with the news he had been diagnosed with ALS, later using his platform to advocate for greater awareness of the disease.